Neck Pain

Cause

Activities that cause neck pain

Most neck pain is
caused by activities that involve repeated or prolonged movements of the
neck. This can result in a
strain (an overstretched or overused muscle), a
sprain (injury to a ligament), or a spasm of the neck
muscles.

These
activities include:

Holding your head in a forward or odd position for long periods
of time while working, reading, watching TV, or talking on the telephone.

Sleeping on a pillow that is too high
or too flat or that doesn't support your neck, or sleeping on your stomach with your
neck twisted or bent.

Spending long periods of time resting your head on your
upright fist or arm.

Work or exercise that uses the upper body and arms, such as
painting a ceiling or other overhead work.

Stress and focusing intensely on a task can also cause neck pain. Tension may develop in one or more of the muscles that connect the
head, neck, and shoulders. They may feel tight and painful.

Injuries that cause neck pain

Minor injuries may occur from tripping or
falling a short distance or from excessive motion of the cervical spine.

TorticollisTorticollis (wryneck). Torticollis is caused by severe
muscle tightness or a shortened muscle on one side of the neck, causing the
head to be tilted to one side. Torticollis is usually a symptom of another
medical problem.

Referred pain. Referred pain occurs when a problem in
one place in the body causes pain in another place. For example, a problem with
your jaw (temporomandibular disorder) or your heart (such as a
heart attack) can cause neck pain.